Sharp-tailed Grouse

Gallery: AvianPosted May 12, 2013244 views19 comments

Canon 1D-X, 300mm x 2.0TC, braced in truck window
f8, 1/500, ISO1000

We found a Sharp-tailed Grouse lek; well, at least a male dancing for a pair of females. After giggling uncontrollably for a few minutes, I was able to get some photos. It was early morning, with heavy overcast. The choice was depth of field or motion blur. The feet dance/drum very fast. This is the compromise result.

Full frame. Very slight sharpening.

C & C, please. Thanks for looking.

Comments

19 comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on May 12, 2013 at 8:42 PM

Turned out well. Nice detail in this action shot. I like how you caught the grouse lifting his right leg-adds to the sense of the action.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Marsh on May 12, 2013 at 9:01 PM

Very nice capture of this Grouse doing his dance Jim.Good comp and detail. The large version is especially good.

Bill

Registered on December 29, 2012, 21 Posts, 225 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on May 12, 2013 at 10:59 PM

I like this a lot, Jim. I almost feel like the grouse is dancing for me (scary...).

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on May 12, 2013 at 11:10 PM

Gorgeous, Jim. I notice you decided to go with Canon finally. How are you liking your new equipment? I like your compromise. The motion blur in the right leg conveys the dance effect quite nicely. Very well done.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on May 12, 2013 at 11:36 PM

Excellent. Looks like you are getting used tot he new gear!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on May 13, 2013 at 1:42 AM

Beautiful! Perfect DOF, detail, pose, and habiutat. you chose well - the bit of motion blur in the legs doesn't detract at ll.

Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on May 13, 2013 at 2:46 AM

That's a terrific shot Jim. The overcast conditions seem to have assisted with achieving a good even exposure. I love the way you've managed to capture the bird looking at the camera and in mid dance.

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on May 13, 2013 at 2:54 AM

Jim,
A remarkably good shot, the slight leg blur is perfect as is everything else

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on May 13, 2013 at 3:36 AM

Jim you certainly caught the action ! nice sharp detail from your 300mm x 2.0TC I like the blurred action on the leg, great shot!

Keith

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on May 13, 2013 at 6:16 AM

Fine image of the action, Jim. These dances always remind me of some Native American war dance.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on May 13, 2013 at 6:57 AM

This is wonderful Jim!

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Claude Dagenais on May 13, 2013 at 9:18 AM

Great pose, excellent capture. Super shot.

Registered on April 10, 2013, 56 Posts, 571 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on May 13, 2013 at 10:36 AM

Very neat image Jim. Good POV and detail, and the motion blur adds to the image nicely.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on May 13, 2013 at 1:30 PM

Excellent capture Jim, given conditions this is wonderful

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Suzanne Huot on May 13, 2013 at 5:54 PM

I would an a WOW to this moment you captured of the dancing Grouse . .Your Canon 300 2.8 plus 2X never fails to impress me with its performance..

Registered on December 28, 2010, 32 Posts, 240 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on May 13, 2013 at 7:47 PM

The large version is a must see. Awesome detail for such low light. The lifted foot and open beak add to the attractiveness of the action you captured.

Sweet One Jim!!!

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by jack jaeger jr on May 13, 2013 at 8:58 PM

2nd Bills comment !!!

Registered on April 2, 2012, 26 Posts, 355 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on May 14, 2013 at 7:51 AM

Pose is excellent, really nice work.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Lewis on May 17, 2013 at 4:17 PM

Incredibly nice capture Jim, excellent choices and execution. The large version is wonderful.

Registered on January 29, 2013, 9 Posts, 89 Comments